Chelsea give Fermin Lopez transfer ultimatum as Barcelona set asking price for midfielder

Chelsea have been told they will have to increase their offer for Fermin Lopez after submitting a surprise bid for the Barcelona midfielder this week.

• Barcelona value Fermin at €70m
• Flick counting on him for the season
• Chelsea give Spanish midfielder 48 hours to decide

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Barcelona have made their stance clear on Fermin, demanding at least €70 million (£59m/$76m) for the 22-year-old. The Catalan giants insist they only consider a transfer if two conditions are met: If Fermin himself requests to leave and that an offer arrives that matches the scale of Premier League spending. So far, Chelsea have been monitoring the Spaniard closely and signalled they would be willing to pay €50m (£43m/$58m). The report adds that the Blues have given Fermin 48 hours to decide if he wants to join them before moving forward.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hansi Flick sees the attacking midfielder as an important part in his plans, especially after his breakout run in the final stretch of last season where he helped secure Barcelona’s league title. With a contract running until 2029, Barca feel secure in negotiations and are in no rush to sell. Chelsea, meanwhile, remain one of Europe’s most aggressive spenders in the market, having already invested nearly €280m (£235m/$305m) on 18 signings this summer.

• TELL ME MORE…

  Chelsea’s recruitment drive has seen them bring in Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Liam Delap and Estevao Willian, balancing the books through a large number of departures. The London club are now focused on Fermin, with Stamford Bridge executives prepared to test Barcelona’s resolve. The Spaniard recently extended his deal until 2029, strengthening Barca’s hand.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The Blues must decide whether to meet Barcelona’s €70m valuation to have any chance of landing Fermin. The Blaugrana club, for now, remain calm and expect the player to stay unless a massive bid arrives. After being on the bench during the club’s 3-2 comeback against Levante, Fermin will hope to feature in the upcoming clash with Rayo Vallecano.